§ 87. Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet considered the quota proposal for the shale-oil industry; and with what result?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir. I understand that when the late Government had before them proposals including that for a quota scheme, Scottish Oils Limited informed the Government that if the mines, retort works and refineries of which notice of closing had been given, were shut down, it would need very heavy capital expenditure to re-open them. That curtailment has been effected, and I am advised that the introduction of the suggested quota scheme would not result in re-opening the closed mines and works. I am also informed that with the present duty on, and prices of, petrol, there is no immediate prospect of further curtailment. In these circumstances, I am afraid I cannot usefully pursue the matter further.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the imposition of the further tax on petrol will not result in the re-opening of the mines?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat is exactly what I said. I also said that I have an assurance of the company that the tax which the Chancellor of the Exchequer has imposed will enable the existing mines and works to be kept open.
§ Mr. G. HARDIEIs it not a fact that this tax enables only inefficient plant to be kept open?
§ Major COLVILLEIt is not a fact that if the proposal had been recommended before the mines closed, the position would have been very different?